Recording medium, apparatus and method related to information representing tunes

ABSTRACT

An information recording medium includes a recording area for an auxiliary signal, and a recording area for a main signal. The auxiliary-signal recording area and the main-signal recording area are successively arranged. The main-signal recording area stores first information, second information, and third information. The first information represents plural tunes. The second information includes playback control information for separating the tunes into groups and implementing playback of the tunes group by group. The third information includes interactive data for permitting an access to the first information of the tunes group by group.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a recording medium, an apparatus and a methodconcerning information representing tunes. Also, this invention relatesto a transmission medium concerning information representing tunes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese published unexamined patent application 11-7722 discloses aDVD-Audio on which main information, bonus information, and interactivedata are recorded. Here, DVD is short for a digital video disc or adigital versatile disc. The main information represents tunes. The bonusinformation relates to the tunes. The interactive data are designed toallow an access to the bonus information. The interactive data representa password.

Japanese application 11-7722 also discloses a player for such aDVD-Audio. In the player of Japanese application 11-7722, thereproduction of bonus information is permitted when correct interactivedata are inputted by a user.

Japanese application 11-7722 further discloses a DVD-Audio on which maininformation pieces, control data, and original interactive data piecesare recorded. The main information pieces represent tunes respectively.The control data represent a program for separating the main informationpieces into groups and reproducing the main information pieces group bygroup. The original interactive data pieces are assigned to the groupsrespectively. Each of the original interactive data pieces is designedto allow an access to the main information piece or pieces in therelated group. The interactive data pieces represent passwordsrespectively. Japanese application 11-7722 also discloses a player forsuch a DVD-Audio. In the player of Japanese application 11-7722, when aninteractive data piece inputted by a user is equal to one of originalinteractive data pieces, the reproduction of a main information piece orpieces in a group corresponding to the present original interactive datapiece is permitted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of this invention to provide an improvedinformation recording medium.

It is a second object of this invention to provide an improvedinformation transmitting apparatus.

It is a third object of this invention to provide an improvedinformation reproducing apparatus.

It is a fourth object of this invention to provide an improved method oftransmitting information.

It is a fifth object of this invention to provide an improvedinformation transmitting medium.

A first aspect of this invention provides an information recordingmedium comprising a recording area for an auxiliary signal, and arecording area for a main signal, the auxiliary-signal recording areaand the main-signal recording area being successively arranged, themain-signal recording area storing first information, secondinformation, and third information, the first information representingplural tunes, the second information including playback controlinformation for separating the tunes into groups and implementingplayback of the tunes group by group, the third information includinginteractive data for permitting an access to the first information ofthe tunes group by group.

A second aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof,and provides an information recording medium comprising a DVD wherein atotal number of the groups is in a range from 2 to 9.

A third aspect of this invention provides an apparatus for transmittingdata via a communication medium, the data being of a structure forrecord on an information recording medium comprising a recording areafor an auxiliary signal, and a recording area for a main signal, theauxiliary-signal recording area and the main-signal recording area beingsuccessively arranged, the main-signal recording area storing firstinformation, second information, and third information, the firstinformation representing plural tunes, the second information includingplayback control information for separating the tunes into groups andimplementing playback of the tunes group by group, the third informationincluding interactive data for permitting an access to the firstinformation of the tunes group by group.

A fourth aspect of this invention provides an apparatus for reproducinginformation from an information recording medium storing firstinformation, second information, and third information, the firstinformation representing plural tunes, the second information includingplayback control information for separating the tunes into groups andimplementing playback of the tunes group by group, the third informationincluding original interactive data for permitting an access to aportion of the first information which represents a tune or tunes in atleast one of the groups. The apparatus comprises means for receivinginput interactive data; means for deciding whether or not the inputinteractive data are equal to the original interactive data; and meansfor, when it is decided that the input interactive data are equal to theoriginal interactive data, reproducing said portion of the firstinformation and executing playback of the tune or tunes in said at leastone of the groups in response to the playback control information.

A fifth aspect of this invention provides a recording medium storing asignal representative of a computer program for reproducing informationfrom the information recording medium of the first aspect of thisinvention. The computer program comprises the steps of receiving inputinteractive data; deciding whether or not the input interactive data areequal to the original interactive data; and when it is decided that theinput interactive data are equal to the original interactive data,reproducing said portion of the first information and executing playbackof the tune or tunes in said at least one of the groups in response tothe playback control information.

A sixth aspect of this invention provides a method of transmitting asignal via a communication medium, the signal being of a predeterminedcommunication format and representing a computer program for reproducinginformation from the information recording medium of the first aspect ofthis invention. The computer program comprises the steps of receivinginput interactive data; deciding whether or not the input interactivedata are equal to the original interactive data; and when it is decidedthat the input interactive data are equal to the original interactivedata, reproducing said portion of the first information and executingplayback of the tune or tunes in said at least one of the groups inresponse to the playback control information.

A seventh aspect of this invention provides an apparatus fortransmitting a signal via a communication medium, the signal being of apredetermined communication format and representing a computer programfor reproducing information from the information recording medium of thefirst aspect of this invention. The computer program comprises the stepsof receiving input interactive data; deciding whether or not the inputinteractive data are equal to the original interactive data; and when itis decided that the input interactive data are equal to the originalinteractive data, reproducing said portion of the first information andexecuting playback of the tune or tunes in said at least one of thegroups in response to the playback control information.

An eighth aspect of this invention provides a medium for transmitting asignal of a predetermined communication format, the signal representinga computer program for reproducing information from the informationrecording medium of the first aspect of this invention. The computerprogram comprises the steps of receiving input interactive data;deciding whether or not the input interactive data are equal to theoriginal interactive data; and when it is decided that the inputinteractive data are equal to the original interactive data, reproducingsaid portion of the first information and executing playback of the tuneor tunes in said at least one of the groups in response to the playbackcontrol information.

A ninth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof,and provides an information recording medium wherein the interactivedata comprise a signal representing audio title categories for detectingidentification numbers of the respective groups, and a signalrepresenting audio title numbers for determining a reproduction sequencein each of the groups.

A tenth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof,and provides an information recording medium which stores a signalrepresenting menus of the respective groups.

An eleventh aspect of this invention provides an apparatus forreproducing information from an information recording medium storingfirst information, second information, third information, and fourthinformation, the first information representing plural tunes, the secondinformation including playback control information for separating thetunes into groups and implementing playback of the tunes group by group,the third information including original interactive data for permittingan access to the first information of the tunes group by group, thefourth information representing menus of the respective groups. Theapparatus comprises means for receiving input interactive data; meansfor accessing the first information of the tunes group by group inresponse to the input interactive data and the original interactivedata; means for reproducing the fourth information representing themenus of the respective groups; and means for indicating at least one ofthe menus.

A twelfth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof,and provides an information recording medium wherein the groups comprisea group of normal tunes and a group of bonus tunes, and the interactivedata comprise a signal indicative of an original password for permittingan access to a portion of the first information which represents thebonus tunes.

A thirteenth aspect of this invention provides an apparatus forreproducing information from the information recording medium of thetwelfth aspect of this invention. The apparatus comprises means forunconditionally implementing playback of the normal tunes; and meansfor, in cases where an input password equal to the original password isfed, permitting playback of the bonus tunes.

A fourteenth aspect of this invention provides an information recordingmedium comprising a recording area for an auxiliary signal, and arecording area for a main signal, the auxiliary-signal recording areaand the main-signal recording area being successively arranged, themain-signal recording area storing first information, secondinformation, third information, fourth information, and fifthinformation, the first information representing a first group of audiotitles containing normal tunes, the second information representing asecond group of audio titles containing bonus information, the thirdinformation containing original interactive data for permitting anaccess to the bonus information, the fourth information representingpointers for searches for the audio titles, the fifth informationrepresenting audio title categories indicating which of the first andsecond groups the respective audio titles belong to.

A fifteenth aspect of this invention is based on the fourteenth aspectthereof, and provides an information recording medium comprising a DVD.

A sixteenth aspect of this invention provides an apparatus forreproducing information from the information recording medium of thefourteenth aspect of this invention. The apparatus comprises means forreceiving input interactive data; means for implementing playback of thenormal tunes independent of the input interactive data; means fordeciding whether or not the input interactive data are equal to theoriginal interactive data; and means for, when it is decided that theinput interactive data are equal to the original interactive data,accessing the audio titles in the second group in response to thepointers and the audio title categories and implementing playback of thebonus information.

A seventeenth aspect of this invention is based on the sixteenth aspectthereof, and provides an apparatus wherein the original interactive dataindicates an original password, and the input interactive data indicatesan input password.

An eighteenth aspect of this invention provides an apparatus fortransmitting data via a communication medium, the data being of astructure for record on an information recording medium comprising arecording area for an auxiliary signal, and a recording area for a mainsignal, the auxiliary-signal recording area and the main-signalrecording area being successively arranged, the main-signal recordingarea storing first information, second information, third information,fourth information, and fifth information, the first informationrepresenting a first group of audio titles containing normal tunes, thesecond information representing a second group of audio titlescontaining bonus information, the third information containing originalinteractive data for permitting an access to the bonus information, thefourth information representing pointers for searches for the audiotitles, the fifth information representing audio title categoriesindicating which of the first and second groups the respective audiotitles belong to.

A nineteenth aspect of this invention provides a recording mediumstoring a signal representative of a computer program for reproducinginformation from the information recording medium of the fourteenthaspect of this invention. The computer program comprises the steps ofreceiving input interactive data; implementing playback of the normaltunes independent of the input interactive data; deciding whether or notthe input interactive data are equal to the original interactive data;and when it is decided that the input interactive data are equal to theoriginal interactive data, accessing the audio titles in the secondgroup in response to the pointers and the audio title categories andimplementing playback of the bonus information.

A twentieth aspect of this invention provides a method of transmitting asignal via a communication medium, the signal being of a predeterminedcommunication format and representing a computer program for reproducinginformation from the information recording medium of the fourteenthaspect of this invention. The computer program comprises the steps ofreceiving input interactive data; implementing playback of the normaltunes independent of the input interactive data; deciding whether or notthe input interactive data are equal to the original interactive data;and when it is decided that the input interactive data are equal to theoriginal interactive data, accessing the audio titles in the secondgroup in response to the pointers and the audio title categories andimplementing playback of the bonus information.

A twenty-first aspect of this invention provides an apparatus fortransmitting a signal via a communication medium, the signal being of apredetermined communication format and representing a computer programfor reproducing information from the information recording medium of thefourteenth aspect of this invention. The computer program comprises thesteps of receiving input interactive data; implementing playback of thenormal tunes independent of the input interactive data; deciding whetheror not the input interactive data are equal to the original interactivedata; and when it is decided that the input interactive data are equalto the original interactive data, accessing the audio titles in thesecond group in response to the pointers and the audio title categoriesand implementing playback of the bonus information.

A twenty-second aspect of this invention provides a medium fortransmitting a signal of a predetermined communication format, thesignal representing a computer program for reproducing information fromthe information recording medium of the fourteenth aspect of thisinvention. The computer program comprises the steps of receiving inputinteractive data; implementing playback of the normal tunes independentof the input interactive data; deciding whether or not the inputinteractive data are equal to the original interactive data; and when itis decided that the input interactive data are equal to the originalinteractive data, accessing the audio titles in the second group inresponse to the pointers and the audio title categories and implementingplayback of the bonus information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the signal recording format of a DVD-Audioaccording to a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the structure of an AMGI area in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the structure of an AOTT-SRPTI area in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the structure of an AOTT-SRP area in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the structure of an ATT-CAT area in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the structure of an ATS area in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the structure of an AOTT-AOBS area in FIG. 6which includes an AOTT-AOB area of a first type.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the structure of an AOTT-AOB area of a secondtype.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of the structure of an ATS-PGCIT area in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of the structure of an ATS-PGCI area in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of the structure of an ATS-PGC-GI area in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of the structure of an ATS-PGIT area in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the structure of an ATS-PGI area in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of the structure of an ATS-C-PBIT area in FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of the structure of an ATS-C-PBI area in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of the structure of audio data recorded on anDVD-Audio.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of the signal recording format of a DVD-Avdaccording to a second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a signal encoding apparatus according to athird embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a segment of a control program for acommunication interface in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a signal decoding apparatus according to afourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of the structure of an ATSI area in the signalrecording format of a DVD-Audio.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a segment of a control program for acontroller in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the details of a block in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a segment of a control program for acommunication interface in FIG. 20.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a DVD player according to a fifthembodiment of this invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of the DVD-Audio in the first embodiment of thisinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows the signal recording format of a DVD-Audio (digital videodisc-audio or digital versatile disc-audio) according to a firstembodiment of this invention. The DVD-Audio is in a DVD family.

The DVD-Audio in FIG. 1 has an area assigned to a DVD-Audio file whichis an audio title set directory ATS-D including a number of audio titlesets ATS each composed of audio titles ATT.

As shown in FIG. 26, the DVD-Audio has a first recording area RA1 and asecond recording area RA2. The first recording area RA1 and the secondrecording area RA2 are successively arranged in the region from thelead-in position to the lead-out position on the DVD-Audio. Preferably,the first recording area RA1 is in a lead-in area of the DVD-Audio. Thefirst recording area RA1 is used for storing an auxiliary signal whilethe second recording area RA2 is used for storing a main signalrepresenting the DVD-Audio file (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 1, the ATS-D area has an area assigned to a structureof simple audio manager which is denoted by SAMG, an area assigned to anaudio manager AMG, an area assigned to a still picture set SPS, andareas assigned to respective audio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . . ,ATS<m−1>, and ATS<m>. Here, “m” denotes a given natural number equal toor greater than 2. The natural number “m” may be equal to 1.

A SAPP table containing TOC information is repetitively recorded on thestructure-of-simple audio manager SAMG eight times to enable a searchfor the heads of the audio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . . , ATS<m−1>,and ATS<m>. The structure-of-simple audio manager SAMG is defined as anindependent file.

The audio manager AMG contains audio manager information AMGI,information representative of an audio manager menu AMGM, and backupaudio manager information AMGI-BUP. The audio manager information AMGIis designed for managing the audio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . . ,ATS<m−1>, and ATS<m>. The audio manager information AMGI containsplayback control information. The audio manger menu AMGM includes a menuof normal tunes (non-bonus tunes) and a menu of bonus tunes. The menu ofbonus tunes is also referred to as the menu of bonus information.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the audio manager informationAMGI and the backup audio manager information AMGI-BUP contains an audiomanager information table AMGI-MAT. The audio manager information tableAMGI-MAT includes interactive data representing a password (an originalpassword) for permitting an access to bonus information usuallyrepresenting bonus tunes. The password has, for example, a sequence offour numerals or four characters. An example of the setting of thepassword is as follows. The password being “0000” indicates the absenceof bonus information. The password differing from “0000” indicates thepresence of bonus information, and corresponds to an effective password.

With reference to FIG. 1, the still picture set SPS contains datarepresenting still pictures. The audio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>,ATS<m−1>, and ATS<m> contain audio data representative of main tunes(also referred to as normal tunes or non-bonus tunes), audio datarepresentative of bonus tunes, and non-audio data. The bonus tunes are,for example, karaoke tunes or background music tunes. The non-audio datarepresent, for example, karaoke subtitles, MIDI code words, and quizzes.The structure of the audio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . , ATS<m−1>,and ATS<m> can be freely set by a disc manufacturer. The audio datarepresentative of the non-bonus tunes and the audio data representativeof the bonus tunes can be arbitrarily placed in the audio title setsATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . . , ATS<m−1>, and ATS<m>.

As shown in FIG. 2, the audio manager information AMGI (see FIG. 1) hasa management table AMGI-MAT therefor, an audio title search pointertable ATT-SRPT, an audio only title search pointer table AOTT-SRPT, anaudio manager menu program chain information unit table AMGM-PGCI-UT,and an audio text data manager ATXTDT-MG.

The audio only title search pointer table AOTT-SRPT has an audio onlytitle search pointer table information AOTT-SRPTI, and a plurality ofaudio only title search pointers AOTT-SRPs.

As shown in FIG. 3, the audio only title search pointer tableinformation AOTT-SRPTI (see FIG. 2) has 4 bytes. Specifically, the audioonly title search pointer table information AOTT-SRPTI has a 2-byte arearepresenting the number of the audio only title search pointers which isdenoted by AOTT-SRP-Ns, and a 2-byte area representing an end address ofthe audio only title search pointer table which is denoted byAOTT-SRPT-EA.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the audio only title search pointersAOTT-SRPs (see FIG. 2) has 12 bytes. Specifically, each of the audioonly title search pointers AOTT-SRPs has a 1-byte area representing anaudio title category ATT-CAT, a 1-byte area representing the numberAOTT-PG-Ns of programs or tracks in the related audio only title (AOTT),a 4-byte area representing an AOTT total playback time AOTT-PB-TM, a1-byte area representing an ATS number (order number or identificationnumber) ATSN, a 1-byte area representing an ATS title number (ordernumber or identification number) ATS-TTN, and a 4-byte area representingan ATS start address ATS-SA.

As shown in FIG. 5, the audio title category ATT-CAT (see FIG. 4) has asequence of 8 bits b7, b6, b5, b4, b3, b2, b1, and b0. The bit b7represents the presence or absence of AOTT. Specifically, the bit b7being “0” indicates the absence of AOTT. The bit b7 being “1” indicatesthe presence of AOTT. A set of the bits b6, b5, and b4 corresponds to areserved area. A set of the bits b3, b2, b1, and b0 represents the ordernumber or the identification number of an AOTT group to which therelated audio only title (AOTT) belongs. The AOTT group order number isdenoted by AOTT-GRN.

The 4-byte AOTT total playback time AOTT-PB-TM in FIG. 4 means a totalpresentation time or a playback output time of the related AOTT. TheAOTT total playback time AOTT-PB-TM is expressed in units such that1/90000 second corresponds to one bit.

As shown in FIG. 6, each of the audio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . . ,ATS<m−1>, and ATS<m> has a sequence of audio title set (ATS) informationATSI, an audio only title audio object set AOTT-AOBS, and backup audiotitle set information ATSI. The audio title set information ATSIcontains playback control information. Specifically, the audio title setinformation ATSI has a sequence of an audio title set informationmanagement table ATSI-MAT, and an audio title set program chaininformation table ATS-PGCIT.

As shown in FIG. 7, the audio only title audio object set AOTT-AOBS hasa sequence of audio only title audio objects AOTT-AOB. Each of the audioonly title audio objects AOTT-AOB is formed by a plurality of programs(tunes or movements) PG. Each of the programs PG is formed by aplurality of cells ATS-C.

Generally, audio only title audio objects AOTT-AOB are of first andsecond types. Each audio only title audio object AOTT-AOB of the firsttype contains only audio data. Each audio only title audio objectAOTT-AOB of the second type contains not only audio data but alsoreal-time information data (RTI data). Audio only title audio objectsAOTT-AOB of at least one type are stored in the DVD-Audio or a tunetherein.

With reference to FIG. 7, each program PG in an audio only title audioobject AOTT-AOB of the first type is formed by a plurality of audiocells ATS-C. Each of the audio cells ATS-C is composed of only audiopacks A.

As shown in FIG. 8, each program PG in an audio only title audio objectAOTT-AOB of the second type is formed by a plurality of audio cellsATS-C. Each of the audio cells ATS-C has a pack sequence of a real-timeinformation pack RTI and audio packs A. Regarding the pack sequence ineach audio cell ATS-C, the real-time information pack RTI occupies thesecond place while the audio packs A occupy the other places.

FIG. 9 shows the details of the audio title set program chaininformation table ATS-PGCIT in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 9, the audiotitle set program chain information table ATS-PGCIT has a sequence ofaudio title set PGCI table information ATS-PGCITI, audio title set PGCIsearch pointers ATS-PGCI-SRP#1-#n, and audio title set program chaininformation pieces ATS-PGCI. Here, “n” denotes a given natural number.

As shown in FIG. 10, each of the audio title set program chaininformation pieces ATS-PGCI (see FIG. 9) has a sequence of ATS-PGCgeneral information ATS-PGC-GI, an ATS program information tableATS-PGIT, and an ATS cell playback information table ATS-C-PBIT.

As shown in FIG. 11, the ATS-PGC general information ATS-PGC-GI has 16bytes. The ATS-PGC general information ATS-PGC-GI has a sequence of a4-byte area representing ATS-PGC contents ATS-PGC-CNT, a 4-byte arearepresenting an ATS-PGC playback time ATS-PGC-PB-TM, a 2-byte reservedarea, a 2-byte area representing an ATS-PGIT start address, a 2-bytearea representing an ATS-C-PBIT start address, and a 2-byte reservedarea.

FIG. 12 shows the details of the ATS program information table ATS-PGITin FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 12, the ATS program information tableATS-PGIT has a sequence of ATS program information pieces ATS-PGI#1-#n.

As shown in FIG. 13, each of the ATS program information piecesATS-PGI#1-#n has 20 bytes. Specifically, each of the ATS programinformation pieces ATS-PGI#1-#n has a sequence of a 4-byte arearepresenting ATS-PG contents ATS-PG-CNT, a 1-byte area representing anATS-PG entry cell number, a 1-byte reserved area, a 4-byte arearepresenting a first ATS-PG audio cell start presentation timeFAC-S-PTM, a 4-byte area representing an ATS-PG playback time, a 4-bytearea representing an ATS-PG pause time, a 1-byte area assigned tocopyright management information CMI, and a 1-byte reserved area. The1-byte area for copyright management information CMI may be used as areserved area.

FIG. 14 shows the details of the ATS cell playback information tableATS-C-PBIT in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 14, the ATS cell playbackinformation table ATS-C-PBIT has a sequence of ATS cell playbackinformation pieces ATS-C-PBI#1-#n.

As shown in FIG. 15, each of the ATS cell playback information piecesATS-C-PBI#1-#n has 12 bytes. Specifically, each of the ATS cell playbackinformation pieces ATS-C-PBI#1-#n has a sequence of a 1-byte arearepresenting an ATS-C index number, a 1-byte area representing an ATS-Ctype ATS-C-TY, a 2-byte reserved area, a 4-byte area representing anATS-C start address, and a 4-byte area representing an ATS-C endaddress.

FIG. 16 shows the structure or arrangement of audio data recorded on theDVD-Audio. One album denotes audio data recorded on the whole of oneside of the DVD-Audio. In the case where the DVD-Audio has only oneeffective side, there is only one album. In the case where the DVD-Audiohas two effective sides, there are two albums corresponding to therespective sides. As shown in FIG. 16, one album is composed of “n”groups (title groups) #1-#n, where “n” denotes a given natural number inthe range from 1 to 9. In the case where the audio data on the DVD-Audiocontains information of a bonus tune or tunes, the number “n” is in therange from 2 to 9. All the audio data representing the bonus tune ortunes are located in the last title group #n. The “n” title groups canbe discriminated from each other by identification numbers or ordernumbers assigned thereto. The identification numbers or the ordernumbers are #1, #2, . . . , #n.

One title group corresponds to a unit in continuous playback implementedby a player. Specifically, one title group corresponds to a unit incontinuous playback of audio titles ATT which is executed by a player.As shown in FIG. 16, one title group is formed by audio titles ATT#1-#ior audio titles ATT#1-#j, where “i” and “j” denote arbitrary naturalnumbers which can be freely chosen by the disc manufacturer. The audiotitles ATT#1-#i or the audio titles ATT#1-#j are audio titles ATT in theaudio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . . , ATS<m−1>, and ATS<m> of FIG. 1.During playback, the audio titles ATT#1-#i or the audio titles ATT#1-#jare searched for and are reproduced by the player in response to theplayback control information in the audio manager information AMGI andthe audio title set information ATSI (see FIGS. 1 and 6).

In general, audio titles ATT are of first and second types. Audio titlesATT of the first type are audio only titles AOTT devoid of video data.Audio titles ATT of the second type are audio video titles AVTT loadedwith both an audio data piece and a video data piece.

The audio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . . , ATS<m−1>, and ATS<m> inFIG. 1 are exclusively occupied by audio only titles AOTT.

As shown in FIG. 16, each group of audio titles ATT#1-#i (or ATT#1-#jhas a set of tracks #1, #2, . . . . Each of the tracks #1, #2, . . . hasa set of indexes #1, #2, . . . .

Second Embodiment

FIG. 17 shows the signal recording format of a DVD-Avd (DVD-Audio plusAV data) according to a second embodiment of this invention. The DVD-Avdis in a DVD family. The DVD-Avd in FIG. 17 is similar to the DVD-Audioin FIG. 1 except for design changes mentioned hereinafter.

The DVD-Avd in FIG. 17 has an area assigned to a DVD-Video file, and anarea assigned to a DVD-Audio file. The DVD-Video file is a video titleset directory VTS-D. The DVD-Audio file is an audio title set directoryATS-D.

Similar to the DVD-Audio in FIG. 26, the DVD-Avd has a first recordingarea and a second recording area. The first recording area and thesecond recording area are successively arranged in the region from thelead-in position to the lead-out position on the DVD-Avd. Preferably,the first recording area is in a lead-in area of the DVD-Avd. The firstrecording area is used for storing an auxiliary signal while the secondrecording area is used for storing a main signal representing theDVD-Video file and the DVD-Audio file (see FIG. 17).

The VTS-D area in FIG. 17 has an area assigned to a video manager VMG,an area assigned to a video manager menu VMGM, and areas assigned torespective video title sets VTS<1>, VTS<2>, . . . . The video managerVMG contains video manager information VMGI for managing the video titlesets VTS<1>, VTS<2>, . . . . Each of the video title sets VTS<1>,VTS<2>, . . . has a sequence of packs including video packs V and audiopacks A.

The ATS-D area in FIG. 17 is similar in structure to that in FIG. 1. TheATS-D area in FIG. 17 includes an area assigned to an audio manager AMG,and areas assigned to respective audio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . ., ATS<m−1>, and ATS<m>. The audio manager AMG contains audio managerinformation AMGI for managing the audio title sets ATS<1>, ATS<2>, . . ., ATS<m−1>, and ATS<m>. An audio data piece in the audio title setATS<1> forms a pair with an audio data piece in the video title setVTS<1>. An audio data piece in the audio title set ATS<m> forms a pairwith an audio data piece in the video title set VTS<2>. Audio datapieces in the other audio title sets ATS do not form any pairs withaudio data pieces in the VTS-D side.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 18 shows a signal encoding apparatus according to a thirdembodiment of this invention. The apparatus of FIG. 18 includesanalog-to-digital (A/D) converters 31, 31V, and 31SP, a signalprocessing circuit 32, a video encoder 32V, a compressive encoder 32SP,a memory 33, a DVD encoding circuit 34, and a modulation circuit 35A.

An analog audio signal is applied to the A/D converter 31. The analogaudio signal represents main tunes (non-bonus tunes) and bonus tunes.The A/D converter 31 is followed by the signal processing circuit 32.The signal processing circuit 32 is followed by the DVD encoding circuit34. The memory 33 is connected to the signal processing circuit 32. Thesignal processing circuit 32 and the memory 33 cooperate to implementconventional signal processing. The DVD encoding circuit 34 is followedby the modulation circuit 35A and an output terminal OUT1. Themodulation circuit 35A is followed by an output terminal OUT2.

An analog video signal is applied to the A/D converter 31V. In general,the analog video signal represents moving pictures. The A/D converter31V is followed by the video encoder 32V. The video encoder 32V isfollowed by the DVD encoding circuit 34.

An analog signal representing still pictures is applied to the A/Dconverter 31SP. The A/D converter 31SP is followed by the compressiveencoder 32SP. The compressive encoder 32SP is followed by the DVDencoding circuit 34.

The A/D converter 31 periodically samples the analog audio signal at afrequency of, for example, 192 kHz, and thereby changes the analog audiosignal into a corresponding digital audio signal. The digital audiosignal is, for example, a PCM signal having a sequence of samples eachhaving 24 bits. The A/D converter 31 outputs the digital audio signal tothe signal processing circuit 32.

Operation of the signal processing circuit 32 can be changed betweenfirst and second modes which correspond to the absence and the presenceof signal compression respectively.

During operation of the signal processing circuit 32 in the first mode(the absence of signal compression), the digital audio signal istransmitted from the A/D converter 31 to the DVD encoding circuit 34through the signal processing circuit 32 without being compressed.During operation of the signal processing circuit 32 in the second mode(the presence of signal compression), the combination of the signalprocessing circuit 32 and the memory 33 compresses the digital audiosignal. In this case, the signal processing circuit 32 outputs thecompression-resultant digital audio signal to the DVD encoding circuit34. The signal compression implemented by the signal processing circuit32 is based on a signal thinning process, a signal decimating process,or a bit shifting process. In the case where the analog audio signal hasmultiple channels separated into a group “1” and a group “2”, bitshifting processes are implemented separately for the group “1” and thegroup “2”.

The A/D converter 31V changes the analog video signal into acorresponding digital video signal. The A/D converter 31V outputs thedigital video signal to the video encoder 32V. The video encoder 32Vchanges the digital video signal into an MPEG-format signal. The videoencoder 32V outputs the MPEG-format signal to the DVD encoding circuit34.

The A/D converter 31SP changes the analog still-picture signal into acorresponding digital still-picture signal. The A/D converter 31SPoutputs the digital still-picture signal to the compressive encoder32SP. The compressive encoder 32SP changes the digital still-picturesignal into an MPEG-format still-picture signal. The compressive encoder32SP outputs the MPEG-format still-picture signal to the DVD encodingcircuit 34.

The DVD encoding circuit 34 receives added information (information tobe added) from suitable devices which are not shown in the drawings. Theadded information contain control data, copyright data, real-timeinformation (RTI) data, character data, data representative of a discidentifier, karaoke video data, MIDI data, data representative ofquizzes, and data representative of a password. The DVD encoding circuit34 multiplexes and formats the output audio signal from the signalprocessing circuit 32, the output video signal from the video encoder32V, the output still-picture signal from the compressive encoder 32SP,and the added information into a composite signal of a DVD-Audio formataccording with the signal recording format in FIG. 1 and the datastructure in FIG. 16 or a composite signal of a DVD-Avd format accordingwith the signal recording format in FIG. 17.

The DVD encoding circuit 34 may output the composite signal of theDVD-Audio format or the DVD-Avd format to the modulation circuit 35A. Inthis case, the modulation circuit 35A subjects the composite signal ofthe DVD-Audio format or the DVD-Avd format to given modulation (forexample, EFM modulation) suited to a DVD-Audio and a DVD-Avd. A mastermaking apparatus 35B may be connected to the modulation circuit 35A viathe output terminal OUT2. In this case, the modulation circuit 35Aoutputs the modulation-resultant signal to the master making apparatus35B.

The apparatus 35B makes a master disc 35C in response to the outputsignal of the modulation circuit 35A. The maser disc 35C stores theoutput signal of the modulation circuit 35A. DVD-Audios or DVD-Avds aremade by a DVD making apparatus (not shown) on the basis of the masterdisc 35C.

A recording and reproducing apparatus 35J may be connected to the DVDencoding circuit 34 via the output terminal OUT1. In this case, therecording and reproducing apparatus 35J receives the composite signal ofthe DVD-Audio format or the DVD-Avd format from the DVD encoding circuit34. The recording and reproducing apparatus 35J records the compositesignal of the DVD-Audio format or the DVD-Avd format on a suitablerecording medium 35M. The recording and reproducing apparatus 35Jreproduces the composite signal of the DVD-Audio format or the DVD-Avdformat from the recording medium 35M. The recording and reproducingapparatus 35J outputs the reproduced composite signal of the DVD-Audioformat or the DVD-Avd format.

A communication interface 35K may be connected to the DVD encodingcircuit 34 via the output terminal OUT1, and be connected to therecording and reproducing apparatus 35J. In this case, the communicationinterface 35K receives the composite signal of the DVD-Audio format orthe DVD-Avd format from the DVD encoding circuit 34 or the recording andreproducing apparatus 35J. The communication interface 35K is connectedto a communication network L such as the Internet or a karaokecommunication network. The communication interface 35K converts thereceived signal into a bit stream of a prescribed communication format.The communication interface 35K outputs the bit stream to thecommunication network L. The bit stream is transmitted by thecommunication network L.

The communication interface 35K includes a computer-based packetingcircuit which operates in accordance with a control program stored in aninternal memory. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a segment of the controlprogram. The program segment in FIG. 19 is designed to handle the outputsignal from the DVD encoding circuit 34 or the recording and reproducingapparatus 35J. As shown in FIG. 19, a first step S41 of the programsegment divides the incoming signal (the output signal from the DVDencoding circuit 34 or the recording and reproducing apparatus 35J) intobasic packets each having a predetermined number of bits. A step S42following the step S41 adds headers to the starting ends of the basicpackets to change the basic packets to final packets respectively.Generally, the added headers include destination addresses. A step S43subsequent to the step S42 sequentially transmits the final packets tothe communication network L. After the step S43, the current executioncycle of the program segment ends.

The signal encoding apparatus in FIG. 18 may be formed by acomputer-based apparatus which operates in accordance with a computerprogram stored in an internal memory. In this case, a recording mediumsuch as a CD-ROM may be prepared which stores the control program. Theinternal memory of the computer-based apparatus is loaded with thecomputer program from the recording medium, and then the computer-basedapparatus is started to implement a desired encoding process inaccordance with the computer program. Alternatively, the computerprogram may be downloaded into the internal memory of the computer-basedapparatus via a communication network such as the Internet or a karaokecommunication network.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 20 shows a signal decoding apparatus according to a fourthembodiment of this invention. The apparatus of FIG. 20 includes ademodulation circuit 41A, a DVD decoding circuit 42, a signal processingcircuit 43, a video decoder 43V, an expansive decoder 43SP, a memory 44,a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter 45, a low pass filter (LPF) 56, adisplay 61, an operation unit 62, and a controller 63.

The demodulation circuit 41A is connected to an input terminal IN1. Adisc drive 41B for reproducing a signal from a DVD-Audio or a DVD-Avd41C may be connected to the demodulation circuit 41A via the inputterminal IN1. In this case, the demodulation circuit 41A receives thereproduced signal from the disc drive 41B. The demodulation circuit 41Ais connected to the DVD decoding circuit 42. The DVD decoding circuit 42is connected to the signal processing circuit 43, the video decoder 43V,and the expansive decoder 43SP. The memory 44 is connected to the signalprocessing circuit 43. The signal processing circuit 43 and the memory44 cooperate to implement conventional signal processing which isinverse with respect to the signal processing by the combination of thesignal processing circuit 32 and the memory 33 in the signal encodingapparatus (see FIG. 18). The signal processing circuit 43 is connectedto the D/A converter 45 and the low pass filter 56. The controller 63 isconnected to the DVD encoding circuit 42, the display 61, and theoperation unit 62.

The DVD decoding circuit 42 is connected to an input terminal IN2. Acommunication interface 41K with a communication network 41L may beconnected to the DVD decoding circuit 42 via the input terminal IN2. Inthis case, the DVD decoding circuit 42 receives a signal from thecommunication network 41L via the communication interface 41K.Specifically, the communication interface 41K receives a bit stream of aprescribed communication format from the communication network 41L. Thecommunication network 41L is, for example, the Internet or a karaokecommunication network. The communication interface 41K converts the bitstream into a DVD-Audio signal or a DVD-Avd signal corresponding to theoutput signal of the DVD encoding circuit 34 in the signal encodingapparatus (see FIG. 18). The DVD decoding circuit 42 receives theDVD-Audio signal or the DVD-Avd signal from the communication interface41K. The signal conversion by the communication interface 41K is inversewith respect to the signal conversion by the interface circuit 35K inthe signal encoding apparatus (see FIG. 18).

The demodulation circuit 41A can receive the output signal of the discdrive 41B. The demodulation circuit 41A subjects the received signal togiven demodulation suited to a DVD-Audio and a DVD-Avd. The demodulationby the circuit 41A is inverse with respect to the modulation by thecircuit 35A in the signal encoding apparatus (see FIG. 18). The DVDdecoding circuit 42 receives the demodulation-resultant signal from thedemodulation circuit 41A.

The DVD decoding circuit 42 deformats and demultiplexes the receivedsignal into a digital audio signal, a digital video signal, a digitalstill-picture signal, and a digital added-information signal. The signalprocessing by the DVD decoding circuit 42 is inverse with respect to thesignal processing by the DVD encoding circuit 34 in the signal encodingapparatus (see FIG. 18). The digital added-information signal containscontrol data, copyright data, real-time information (RTI) data,character data, data representative of a disc identifier, karaoke videodata, MIDI data, data representative of quizzes, and data representativeof a password. The DVD decoding circuit 42 outputs the digital audiosignal to the signal processing circuit 43. The DVD decoding circuit 42outputs the digital video signal to the video decoder 43V. The DVDdecoding circuit 42 outputs the digital still-picture signal to theexpansive decoder 43SP.

The signal processing circuit 43 transmits the digital audio signal tothe D/A converter 45 and the low pass filter 56 without executing signalexpansion during a first mode of operation. The signal processingcircuit 43 expands the digital audio signal during a second mode ofoperation. The signal processing circuit 43 outputs theexpansion-resultant digital audio signal to the D/A converter 45 and thelow pass filter 56. The signal expansion by the signal processingcircuit 43 is inverse with respect to the signal compression by thesignal processing circuit 32 in the signal encoding apparatus (see FIG.18).

The D/A converter 45 changes the digital audio signal into acorresponding analog audio signal in response to a clock signal having afrequency equal to the sampling frequency related to the A/D converter31 in the signal encoding apparatus (see FIG. 18). The D/A converter 45feeds the analog audio signal to an output terminal 55.

The low pass filter 56 limits the frequency band of the digital audiosignal to a frequency width of, for example, 48 kHz. The low pass filter56 feeds the resultant digital audio signal to an output terminal 53.

The video decoder 43V subjects the digital video signal to an MPEGdecoding process. The video decoder 43V feeds the decoding-resultantdigital video signal to an output terminal 64A. The signal processing bythe video decoder 43V is inverse with respect to the signal processingby the video encoder 32V in the signal encoding apparatus (see FIG. 18).A display may be connected to the output terminal 64A. In this case, thedisplay receives the output signal of the video decoder 43V, andindicates pictures represented by the received signal.

The expansive decoder 43SP subjects the digital still-picture signal toan MPEG decoding process. The expansive decoder 43SP feeds thedecoding-resultant digital still-picture signal to an output terminal64B. The signal processing by the expansive decoder 43SP is inverse withrespect to the signal processing by the compressive encoder 32SP in thesignal encoding apparatus (see FIG. 18). A display may be connected tothe output terminal 64B. In this case, the display receives the outputsignal of the expansive decoder 43SP, and indicates pictures representedby the received signal.

The DVD decoding circuit 42 feeds the MIDI data to an output terminal65. An electronic musical instrument may be connected to the outputterminal 65. In this case, the electronic musical instrument receivesthe MIDI data via the output terminal 65, and converts the MIDI datainto corresponding sounds.

Regarding the reproduction of still pictures, the DVD decoding circuit42, the signal processing circuit 43, and the expansive decoder 43SP aredesigned to execute one of the following different processes 1), 2), and3).

-   1) In the case where still-picture data are obtained, the playback    of the audio signal is interrupted and a muting step is carried out.-   2) In the case where still-picture data are obtained, the playback    of the still-picture data and the playback of the audio signal are    executed in response to a time control signal for the real-time    synchronization therebetween.-   3) In the case where still-picture data are obtained, the playback    of the audio signal is executed while the playback of the    still-picture data is implemented in response to a page turning    command so that still-picture pages are turned. The page turning    command is activated by a user's request.

The audio title set information ATSI in FIG. 6 may be replaced by audiotitle set information ATSI in FIG. 21. The audio title set informationATSI in FIG. 21 has a sequence of an audio title set informationmanagement table ATSI-MAT, an audio title set program chain informationtable ATS-PGCIT, and a still-picture control information table SPCIT.The still-picture control information table SPCIT has a sequence ofSPCIT general information SPCIT-GI, SPCIT time control data informationSPCIT-TCDI, and still-picture page control command information SPPI.

The time control signal for the real-time synchronization between thestill-picture signal and the audio signal is contained in the SPCIT timecontrol data information SPCIT-TCDI. The page turning command iscontained in the still-picture page control command information SPPI.

Side information for page control of still pictures may be placed in astill-picture pack SPCT corresponding to the still-picture data. In thiscase, page control data prescribed by the side information areinterpreted by referring to the still-picture page control commandinformation SPPI. Alternatively, the side information for page controlof still pictures may be placed in a real-time information pack RTI.

The operation unit 62 can be actuated by a user. The operation unit 62generates various signals when being actuated. The signals generated bythe operation unit 62 are inputted into the controller 63. The signalsgenerated by the operation unit 62 include a signal for requestingplayback to be started, a signal for selecting one from amongtitle-group order numbers (title-group identification numbers) #1, #2, .. . , #n in accordance with a user's request, and a signal representingan input password.

The controller 63 includes a microcomputer, a CPU, or a similar devicewhich operates in accordance with a control program stored in aninternal memory. When the playback start request signal is inputted intothe controller 63 from the operation unit 62, a first segment of thecontrol program is executed. According to the first segment of thecontrol program, the controller 62 outputs a menu signal to the display61 and controls the display 61 so that a predetermined menu containingthe title-group order numbers (the title-group identification numbers)#1, #2, . . . , #n is indicated thereon. In general, the user actuatesthe operation unit 62 to select one from among the title-group ordernumbers #1, #2, . . . , #n while monitoring the menu on the display 61.The selected title-group order number (the selected title-groupidentification number) corresponds to a title group desired to be playedback.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a second segment of the control program forthe controller 63 which follows the first segment thereof. The secondsegment of the control program is started when the title-group ordernumber selection signal is inputted into the controller 63 from theoperation unit 62.

As shown in FIG. 22, a first step S1 of the second segment of thecontrol program decides or recognizes the selected title-group ordernumber (the selected title-group identification number) represented bythe title-group order number selection signal.

A step S2 following the step S1 decides whether or not the selectedtitle-group order number is equal to the order number #n of the lasttitle group. The decision by the step S2 is to determine whether or notbonus information (a bonus tune or tunes) is selected. When the selectedtitle-group order number is equal to the last title-group order number#n, that is, when bonus information is selected, the program advancesfrom the step S2 to a step S3. Otherwise, the program advances from thestep S2 to a block S9.

The step S3 controls the DVD decoding circuit 42, and gets data of anoriginal password from audio manager information AMGI (see FIG. 1)recovered by the DVD decoding circuit 42.

A step S4 subsequent to the step S3 decides whether or not the originalpassword is “0000”, that is, whether or not the present DVD-Audio data(or the present DVD-Avd data) contain bonus information. When thepresent DVD-Audio data (or the present DVD-Avd data) do not containbonus information, the program advances from the step S4 to a step S5.When the present DVD-Audio data contain bonus information, the programadvances from the step S4 to a step S6.

The step S5 controls the display 61 to indicate that the presentDVD-Audio data (or the present DVD-Avd data) do not contain bonusinformation. After the step S5, the program advances to the block S9.

The step S6 decides whether or not a signal representative of an inputpassword has come from the operation unit 62. When an input-passwordsignal has come, the program advances from the step S6 to a step S7.Otherwise, the step S6 is repeated.

The step S7 decides whether or not the input password is equal to theoriginal password. When the input password is equal to the originalpassword, the program advances from the step S7 to a step S8. When theinput password differs from the original password, the program advancesfrom the step S7 to the block S9.

The step S8 controls the DVD decoding circuit 42 and gets a signal of abonus information menu from an audio manger menu AMGM (see FIG. 1)recovered by the DVD decoding circuit 42. The step S8 outputs the bonusmenu signal to the display 61 and controls the display 61 to indicate amenu of bonus information. After the step S8, the program advances tothe block S9.

The block S9 controls the DVD decoding circuit 42 to execute theplayback of a designated title group which corresponds to the selectedtitle-group order number (the selected title-group identificationnumber). After the block S9, the current execution cycle of the secondsegment of the control program ends.

FIG. 23 shows the details of the block S9. As shown in FIG. 23, theblock S9 has a step S11 which follows one of the steps S2, S5, S7, andS8 in FIG. 22. The step S11 refers to an audio only title search pointertable AOTT-SRPT in the audio manager information AMGI (see FIG. 2).

A step S12 subsequent to the step S11 searches AOTT group order numbersAOTT-GRN (see FIG. 5), and lists audio titles ATT belonging to thedesignated title group together with an audio title set or sets ATS.Specifically, the AOTT group order number is derived from each audiotitle category ATT-CAT (see FIG. 5), and the number AOTT-PG-Ns ofprograms or tracks in the related audio only title (AOTT) is derivedfrom each audio only title search pointer AOTT-SRP (see FIG. 4). Inaddition, the ATS number ATSN is derived from each audio only titlesearch pointer AOTT-SRP (see FIG. 4). The order number or theidentification number Imax of the last audio title ATT in the designatedtitle group is determined according to the listed audio titles ATT.

A step S13 following the step S12 sets a variable “i” to “1”. Thevariable “i” indicates an order number or an identification number of anaudio title ATTi. After the step S13, the program advances to a stepS14.

The step S14 refers to audio title set program chain information piecesATS-PGCI in audio title set information ATSI (see FIG. 9-15), andthereby searches for the address of the audio title ATTi, that is, ATS-Cstart addresses and ATS-C end addresses.

A step S15 subsequent to the step S14 controls the DVD decoding circuit42 in response to the addresses provided by the step S14, and therebyimplements the playback of the audio title ATTi. The audio title numberis derived from ATS-PG contents ATS-PG-CNT (see FIG. 13). A target indexis found from an ATS-PG entry cell number (see FIG. 13).

A step S16 following the step S15 increments the audio title number “i”by “1”.

A step S17 subsequent to the step S16 compares the audio title number“i” with the last audio title number Imax. When the audio title number“i” is not greater than the last audio title number Imax, the programreturns from the step S17 to the step S14. On the other hand, when theaudio title number “i” is greater than the last audio title number Imax,the program exits from the step S17 and then the current execution cycleof the second segment of the program ends.

With reference back to FIG. 20, the communication interface 41K includesa computer-based unpacketing circuit which operates in accordance with acontrol program stored in an internal memory. FIG. 24 is a flowchart ofa segment of the control program. The program segment in FIG. 24 isdesigned to handle packets in the incoming signal from the communicationnetwork 41L. As shown in FIG. 24, a first step S51 of the programsegment removes headers from received packets. A step S52 following thestep S51 recovers original data from the header-less packets. A step S53subsequent to the step S52 stores the recovered original data into abuffer memory within the communication interface 41K. The recovered datacan be transmitted from the buffer memory to the DVD decoding circuit42.

The signal decoding apparatus in FIG. 20 may be formed by acomputer-based apparatus which operates in accordance with a computerprogram stored in an internal memory. In this case, a recording mediumsuch as a CD-ROM may be prepared which stores the control program. Theinternal memory of the computer-based apparatus is loaded with thecomputer program from the recording medium, and then the computer-basedapparatus is started to implement a desired decoding process inaccordance with the computer program. Alternatively, the computerprogram may be downloaded into the internal memory of the computer-basedapparatus via a communication network such as the Internet or a karaokecommunication network.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 25 shows a DVD player according to a fifth embodiment of thisinvention. The player in FIG. 25 is designed to reproduce informationfrom an DVD-Audio of the format in FIGS. 1 and 16, a DVD-Avd of theformat in FIG. 17, or a DVD-family disc which stores time controlinformation and a page turning command. The time control informationcontains a time control signal for the real-time synchronization betweena still-picture signal and an audio signal.

The player in FIG. 25 operates on a DVD-Audio 110. The DVD-Audio 110 maybe replaced by a DVD-Avd or another DVD-family disc. The player in FIG.25 includes a drive unit 111 which is controlled by a drive controlcircuit 112. The drive unit 111 drives the DVD-Audio 110, and reads outa signal therefrom. The readout signal is subjected by a decoding anderror correction circuit 113 to an EFM demodulation process and an errorcorrection process, being converted into a bit stream signal. The bitstream signal except control data and DSI (data search information) datais stored into a track buffer 114 by a write control circuit 115. Thecontrol data in the bit stream signal is stored into a system buffer117. The DSI data in the bit stream signal is stored into a DSI buffer122. The DSI data are transmitted from the DSI buffer 122 to a DSIdecoder 151. The DSI decoder 151 subjects the DSI data to a decodingprocess. The DSI decoder 151 outputs the decoding-resultant DSI signal.

A system controller 132 implements reproduction control in response tothe control data in the system buffer 117. The system controller 132includes a CPU which operates in accordance with a control programstored in an internal ROM. An operation unit 130, a display device 131,a system parameter memory 133, a system parameter memory 134, a generalparameter memory 135, and a system timer 136 are connected to the systemcontroller 132. The system parameter memory 133 includes a read/writememory. The system parameter memory 134 includes a read-only memory. Thegeneral parameter memory 135 includes a read/write memory.

The bit stream signal is read out from the track buffer 114 by a readcontrol circuit 116. The readout bit stream signal is separated by ademultiplexer 128 into still-picture packs, real-time information packs,VBV packs, sub picture packs, VBI packs, and audio packs. Thestill-picture packs are stored into a still-picture buffer 147. Thereal-time information packs are stored into an RTI buffer 148. The VBVpacks are stored into a VBV buffer 118. The sub picture packs are storedinto a sub picture buffer 119. The VBI packs are stored into a VBIbuffer 120. The audio packs are stored into an audio buffer 121.

The still-picture packs are transmitted from the still-picture buffer147 to a still-picture decoder 149. The still-picture packs are decodedby the still-picture decoder 149 into a still-picture signal. Thestill-picture signal is outputted from the still-picture decoder 149.

The real-time information packs are transmitted from the RTI buffer 148to an RTI decoder 150. The real-time information packs are decoded intoan RTI signal by a combination of the RTI decoder 150 and a buffer 150A.The RTI decoder 150 outputs the RTI signal.

The VBV packs are transmitted from the VBV buffer 118 to a video decoder123. The VBV packs are decoded by the video decoder 123 into a videosignal. The video signal is transmitted from the video decoder 123 to anadder 127 via a letter box converter 126.

The sub picture packs are transmitted from the sub picture buffer 119 toa sub picture decoder 124. The sub picture packs are decoded by the subpicture decoder 124 into a sub picture signal. The sub picture signal isoutputted from the sub picture decoder 124 to the adder 127.

The VBI packs are transmitted from the VBI buffer 120 to a VBI decoder125. The VBI packs are decoded by the VBI decoder 125 into a VBI signal.The VBI signal is outputted from the VBI decoder 125 to the adder 127.

The video signal, the sub picture signal, and the VBI signal arecombined by the adder 127 into a composite video signal. The compositevideo signal is outputted from the adder 127.

The audio packs are transmitted from the audio buffer 121 to an audiodecoder 129. The audio decoder 129 includes a combination of adeformatter 141, a buffer 141A, a channel separator 142, and D/Aconverters 144 and 145. The audio packs are decoded by the audio decoder129 into analog audio signals. The analog audio signals are outputtedfrom the audio decoder 129.

The deformatter 141 receives the audio packs from the audio buffer 121.The deformatter 141 and the buffer 141A cooperate to deformat the audiopacks into a 2-channel digital audio signal (or a multiple-channeldigital audio signal). The deformatter 141 outputs the 2-channel digitalaudio signal to the channel separator 142. The channel separator 142divides the 2-channel digital audio signal into a left-channel digitalaudio signal and a right-channel digital audio signal. The channelseparator 142 outputs the left-channel digital audio signal to the D/Aconverter 144. The channel separator 142 outputs the right-channeldigital audio signal to the D/A converter 145. The D/A converter 144changes the left-channel digital audio signal into a correspondingleft-channel analog audio signal. The D/A converter 144 outputs theleft-channel analog audio signal. The D/A converter 145 changes theright-channel digital audio signal into a corresponding right-channelanalog audio signal. The D/A converter 145 outputs the right-channelanalog audio signal.

1. A method of encoding information and recording the encoded information on an information recording medium having a recording area for an auxiliary signal and a recording area for a main signal, the auxiliary-signal recording area and the main-signal recording area being successively arranged, the method comprising the steps of: generating first interactive data for identifying groups of tunes which are 1st to “n−1”th groups of original tunes and “n”th group of bonus tunes, wherein “n” denotes a predetermined positive integer, and the “n”th group of bonus tunes is either present or absent; generating second interactive data representing a password to permit an access to the “n”th group of bonus tunes when the “n”th group of bonus tunes is present, and representing the absence of the “n”th group of bonus tunes when the “n”th group of bonus tunes is absent; and recording the first interactive data, the second interactive data, a first audio title, a second audio title, an audio manager, and a video file on the main-signal recording area in the information recording medium; wherein the first audio title is an audio title including structural elements of tunes represented by audio data in an audio file, and is structural elements of the original tunes; wherein the second audio title is an audio title including structural elements of tunes represented by audio data in the audio file, and is structural elements of the bonus tunes when the “n”th group of bonus tunes is present; wherein the audio manager includes the first and second interactive data, and management information for playing back the 1st to “n”th group of tunes in a prescribed playback order; and wherein the video file includes video data and audio data, and the audio data in the video file is allowed to be managed by the management information as the first audio title being the structural elements of the original tunes and the second audio title being the structural elements of the bonus tunes.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of recording a menu of the 1 st to “n”th groups of tunes which includes a menu of the bonus tunes on the main-signal recording area in the information recording medium.
 3. An apparatus for reproducing information from an information recording medium having a recording area for an auxiliary signal and a recording area for a main signal, the auxiliary-signal recording area and the main-signal recording area being successively arranged, wherein first interactive data, second interactive data, a first audio title, a second audio title, an audio manager, and a video file are recorded on the main-signal recording area in the information recording medium, the first interactive data being for identifying groups of tunes which are 1 st to “n−1”th groups of original tunes and “n”th group of bonus tunes, wherein “n” denotes a predetermined positive integer, and the “n”th group of bonus tunes is either present or absent, the second interactive data representing a password to permit an access to the “n”th group of bonus tunes when the “n”th group of bonus tunes is present, and representing the absence of the “n”th group of bonus tunes when the “n”th group of bonus tunes is absent, wherein the first audio title is an audio title including structural elements of tunes represented by audio data in an audio file, and is structural elements of the original tunes, wherein the second audio title is an audio title including structural elements of tunes represented by audio data in the audio file, and is structural elements of the bonus tunes when the “n”th group of bonus tunes is present, wherein the audio manager includes the first and second interactive data, and management information for playing back the 1st to “n”th group of tunes in a prescribed playback order, and wherein the video file includes video data and audio data, and the audio data in the video file is allowed to be managed by the management information as the first audio title being the structural elements of the original tunes and the second audio title being the structural elements of the bonus tunes, the apparatus comprising: means for designating one among the groups of tunes; means for extracting an audio title from the designated group of tunes by referring to the management information and the first interactive data; and means for decoding audio data in the extracted audio title. 